Female infertility can result from several factors including ovarian or uterine disorders and hormonal imbalances. Infertility treatments for females depend on the cause of infertility. Female infertility refers to the inability of a woman to conceive regular and unprotected sexual intercourse. It is diagnosed through ultrasound scans, blood hormonal tests, and diagnostic procedures like hysterosalpingography.

SYMPTOMS OF INFERTILITY

Irregular or absent periods
Painful periods or painful intercourse
Recurrent miscarriages
Hormonal symptoms: excessive hair growth, acne, or weight gain

6 Best infertility treatments for females:

 

1. LIFESTYLE CHANGES:

1. DIET AND EXERCISE:

A healthy diet for infertility can improve the symptoms of infertility and prevent infertility by supporting egg quality and reducing inflammation and hormonal balance. A healthy diet for infertility may include

1. Fertility-boosting nutrients: (infertility treatments for females)

Folate (folic acid): This is essential for egg development and reproductive health.
Iron: reduces the risk of infertility by supporting the ovulatory mechanism.
Zinc: it is important for cell division during the ovulatory phase
Vitamin D: which is important for hormonal balance
Omega 3 fatty acids improve blood circulation and flow to reproductive organs and support egg quality and health.

2. Prioritize whole grains and healthy fats:

Whole grains contain complex carbohydrates that provide energy and maintain hormonal balance. Healthy fats are also good for infertility.

3. Plant-based protein sources and antioxidant-rich foods for female infertility:

Replacing animal-based protein with plant-based protein can boost fertility. Antioxidants are also important for ovulating and protecting eggs from oxidative stress.

4. Consume dairy in moderation and limit processed foods:

Full-fat dairy products support fertility better than low-fat dairy products. Full-fat yogurt and milk are the best products to consume during the fertility age. Some of the sugary foods and high intake of refined carbohydrates can disrupt the insulin and hormonal balance. You should avoid sugary drinks, white bread, and sweets. Stay hydrated, drink 7 to 8 glasses of water every day, and maintain a healthy weight.

2. SMOKING AND ALCOHOL:

Both smoking and alcohol have negative effects on female fertility. Smoking reduces the chances of conception. It accelerates the loss of eggs, causes damage to the eggs, and reduces the chances of successful fertilization. Both of these will affect the endocrine system leading to hormonal imbalances that disrupt the ovulation phase and menstrual cycle. Smoking also increases the risk of miscarriages and ectopic pregnancy. Smoking impairs the functions of the fallopian tube which causes fertilized eggs to implant outside the uterus. Alcohol can cause harm to the fetus leading to a condition called fetal alcohol syndrome (baby born with birth defects).

2. MEDICATIONS FOR OVULATION INDUCTION:

There are several medications used for the treatment of ovulatory disorders or unexplained infertility. The most common include clomiphene citrate, which works by blocking estrogen receptors causing the brain to increase the production of gonadotropins that directly stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs for fertilization. The major side effect of clomiphene citrate is multiple pregnancies (increased chances of twin pregnancy). Letrozole also called femara works by reducing estrogen production and is used for ovulation induction, especially in females with polycystic ovary syndrome. Femara is used with Metformin for its better results in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Metformin is an insulin-sensitizing drug used with letrozole in polycystic ovary syndrome because insulin resistance occurs in PCOS patients. Gonadotropins are also available such as menopur and follistim for women who do not respond to oral medications or who need stronger stimulation.

3. SURGICAL TREATMENTS:

Surgical treatments are primarily beneficial for women who have an underlying cause of infertility, such as endometriosis, fibroids, or tubal blockage. These conditions are common causes of female infertility. While it is not guaranteed that surgery will fully resolve infertility, it may improve the condition and increase the chances of conception. Surgical treatments include laparoscopy (A minimally invasive surgery) and hysteroscopy.

 

4. ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES:

There are some assisted reproductive technologies available to treat infertility. Reproductive technologies are assisted in the labs and these are very costly not everyone can afford them. These include intrauterine insemination which involves placing the sperm directly in the uterus during the ovulation period, in vitro fertilization ( collecting the egg and sperm, fertilizing this egg with sperm, and then transferring back into the uterus), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, in this technology a single sperm injected directly into an egg. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is often used in cases of male infertility.

5. HORMONAL THERAPIES AND TREATMENT OF UNDERLYING CONDITIONS:

Hormonal therapies include progesterone supplementation and thyroid medication. Hypothyroidism and some other underlying conditions (endometriosis, PCOS) are the main causes of infertility. Common hormonal therapy includes estrogen therapy for women with thin endometrial lining, irregular ovulation, and ovarian insufficiency. Progesterone therapy which is often used with ovulation induction treatments and androgen modulators improves ovulation in case of PCOS by reducing high androgen levels.

6. THIRD PARTY REPRODUCTION OPTIONS:

Third-party options like surrogacy and adoption are often seen as a last resort and are sometimes unacceptable to families. Surrogacy and adoption are typically considered after infertility treatments have failed. Surrogacy involves another woman carrying the pregnancy, and it is viewed as morally or ethically complex in some cultures and societies. However, surrogacy should not be considered the last option; rather, it is a different pathway to creating a family.